Learning to play a musical instrument is so much more than just discovering a wonderful pastime or hobby. It’s one of the most rewarding activities you can do that extends far beyond just making music. In fact, studies show that playing an instrument provides a wide variety of benefits that extend far beyond entertainment. If you’ve been considering starting to play a musical instrument, then here are some benefits you can anticipate.
Increased Cognitive Abilities
When you learn to play a musical instrument, studies show that you have dramatically increased cognitive functions. Musicians compared to non-musicians tend to have much better memories, and in many cases advanced problem-solving skills.
This is likely due to reading sheet music. The intricate dance between reading notes and executing them with your mouth and fingers stimulates the brain in a unique way that other activities don’t. Not to mention, maintaining rhythm at the same time, which requires a considerable amount of cognitive ability. In other words, there’s never been a better way to get smarter!
Emotional Release
Music has the ability to release a wide range of emotions through the power of sound. Whether you blow into a trumpet or tap gently on a piano, music can provide the perfect relief. Not to mention, engaging with your instrument can be a form of connection with your inner self. The sounds you can make with your mouth or your hands are often feelings that we cannot necessarily put into words. So, expressing these through sound allows us to tap into feelings we might not have ever even known existed.
Increased Discipline
Learning to play and mastering to play requires a significant amount of self-discipline. If you hope to get good at your instrument, you’ll need to practice regularly. And although playing itself may be enjoyable, practicing isn’t always necessarily a musician’s favorite part of being a musician.
However, the journey of music-making means consistent effort and practice, which can in turn affect other areas of our life. With the self-discipline of learning to play an instrument comes the realization that we can apply this same discipline to any area of our life. As such, it opens up doors to all sorts of new opportunities we may not have been willing to try.
Social Connections
One of the most wonderful parts of playing music is that it can be done alone or with others. If you’ve been looking for a way to make social connections, then look no further than a jam session. Playing an instrument allows you to connect with other musicians, whether it’s through creating a band of your own, or attending other musical events.
Sharing the joy of music with other musicians creates a unique camaraderie and shared passion. When you spend time with people who have the same interests as you, it gives you a unique sense of belonging.
